Questions, answers for U.S. House 2nd District

October 31, 2008|Tribune Staff Report

Republican Luke Puckett and Libertarian Mark Vogel challenge incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly. All three candidates were asked to answer questions in 30 words or fewer. Joe Donnellywww.donnellyforuscongress.comPolitical affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Attorney Education: B.A., University of Notre Dame; J.D., University of Notre Dame Political experience: One term in Congress Age: 53 Luke Puckettwww.puckett08.comPolitical affiliation: Republican Occupation: Small business owner Education: Master's in Spanish from Spanish Language Institute in Costa Rica, B.A. in Languages and Theology from Northland Bible College Political experience: Volunteer Age: 39 Mark Vogelwww.vogel4congress.comPolitical affiliation: Libertarian Occupation: Military/health care Education: Doctor of pharmacy student Political experience: None. Age: 30 What's the best solution to the conflict in Iraq?Donnelly: We must continue to fully fund our troops. We must also signal to the Iraqi government we cannot be there forever and it must get serious about achieving national reconciliation. Puckett: Carefully listen to the opinions of the commanders on the ground and make sure we do not promote an accelerated withdrawal of American troops that would leave the country unstable. Vogel: The purpose of the United States military is to protect and defend lives and property of Americans. The Constitution assigns the power "to declare war" to Congress, not the president. Describe your position on illegal immigration.Donnelly: American citizenship should be reserved for those who play by the rules. I'm opposed to amnesty and support efforts to secure the borders and enforce our employment laws. Puckett: We must secure our borders, grant absolutely no amnesty to illegal aliens, and make English the national language in order to strengthen the bonds that make us Americans. Vogel: Physically secure our borders and coastline. Enforce current immigration law and visa rules. No amnesty. No welfare for illegal aliens. End birthright citizenship. Pass true immigration reform. Explain your position on the rising price of oil.Donnelly: Rising oil prices are devastating working families and Hoosier businesses. I support legislation to repeal tax subsidies for oil companies earning record profits and reinvest savings in homegrown, renewable fuels. Puckett: America needs to become more energy independent by tapping into domestic oil and gas reserves in environmentally responsible ways and removing government-erected barriers to increased refinery capacity. Vogel: Repeal of taxation, regulation, incentives to litigate, and repeal of all subsidies of energy-generation industries would stimulate industrial development. Competition could then determine the best technological paths for energy production. What are your feelings on government surveillance programs the administration says are designed to help catch terrorists?Donnelly: I support aggressive but legal new tactics that use advanced technologies and intelligence strategies. Our methods should reflect 21st century threats, while also preserving our sacred liberties and oversight. Puckett: The government has not engaged in domestic wiretapping. What the government has done is engage in surveillance operations against known and suspected terrorists who are located outside of our borders. Vogel: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated." (Fourth Amendment, U.S. Constitution). Describe your opinion of climate change.Donnelly: Global warming is a great environmental challenge. I support efforts to reduce dependence on carbon-based fuels while promoting clean energy, such as wind, solar, and nuclear power. Puckett: If scientists are unable to agree on climate change, then the federal government should not be seeking to impose regulations on citizens and industry governing their response to this issue. Vogel: Climate change occurs year to year, century to century, and millennium to millennium. Many natural processes contribute to global warming. Substantial uncertainties remain in our understanding of climate change. What do you believe is necessary to ensure a healthy environment in Indiana and the United States?Donnelly: We must promote clean energy systems like wind, solar, and nuclear, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, we must remain committed to preserving the health of the Great Lakes. Puckett: We must be good stewards of our natural heritage. Carefully review environmental regulations and keep those that are necessary and discard those that may not reflect advances in green technology. Vogel: Private property owners, not government bureaucrats, possess the strongest incentive to protect the environment. Enact effective liability laws that extend private property rights to air and water. What can or should be done about the subprime mortgage situation?Donnelly: When homes are foreclosed upon, entire neighborhoods are affected. Government should be part of the solution for those whose home ownership is in jeopardy through no fault of their own. Puckett: Part of our problem comes from federal government mandates that certain lenders make a specified number of sub-prime loans. We need to let the market straighten itself out. Vogel: Let markets adjust, painful as it may be. Taxpayer-funded bailouts of the private sector cause more harm to the middle class and poor through inflation and devaluing of the dollar. How would you keep Indiana jobs from going overseas or out of state?Donnelly: Given a level playing field, Hoosier businesses can compete with anyone in the world. I support aggressive efforts to crack down on illegal practices to gain an unfair trade advantage. Puckett: As the economy changes, the demand for some jobs will decrease. The federal government should make sure that investors and employers can work together to create new and better jobs. Vogel: NAFTA and other unconstitutional trade deals are responsible for the loss of Indiana jobs. Decrease government interference and marketplace manipulation and abide by the principles of the U.S. Constitution. What is the role of labor unions in the state's economy?Donnelly: A successful economy requires a strong partnership between businesses and unions. When organized workers partner with management, we create good jobs, successful businesses, and ultimately a stronger economy for Indiana. Puckett: Labor unions provide valuable services to their members. I support the right of union members and prospective union members to use a secret ballot on union-related votes. Vogel: Labor unions in the past and today fight to ensure better working conditions and wages. Workers have the right to join unions and negotiate just compensation. How can more Hoosiers have access to higher education?Donnelly: I'll continue to vote for reduced interest rates on student loans and expanding Pell grants. Indiana's excellent public university system and vocational colleges should expand and team with Hoosier employers. Puckett: The federal government needs to make sure that its attempts to assist students and institutions of higher education do not conflict with making higher education more affordable. Vogel: Cost is the biggest factor limiting access to higher education. Allowing for full tax deduction for undergraduate college tuition, reasonable living expenses, and interest on qualified student loans will help. Has the No Child Left Behind act improved Indiana schools? If not, how would you change it?Donnelly: Indiana has worked hard to meet NCLB requirements and we are seeing scholastic improvements; however, NCLB should be amended to allow our teachers more flexibility to surpass goals. Puckett: No Child Left Behind has failed to live up to its own standards. It is an unfunded mandate that has forced a one-size-fits-all approach on our schools. Vogel: No Child Left Behind represents a massive increase in federal control over education. Parents have the right to choose the type of education their children will receive.